One of the strongest indicators of dogs with anxiety is how they react to other people or other dogs. Many dogs seem to get along with any other dog without any problems, and they may even take readily to an animal as soon as they are introduced.

The anxious dog does not take to other dogs freely; in fact, dogs with anxiety are usually very aggressive toward any other dog that invades its territory or threatens by approaching its master.

The reaction it has to other dogs or animals can be entirely different when it is not on its own turf. It can go from being aggressive enough to attack a dog much larger than itself to cowering away from a smaller animal.

Dogs are territorial, and when that territory is infringed upon, they may bark incessantly or attack as though their very lives depend on running the intruder away.

Unfortunately, dogs may act the same way with humans, causing a liability to their owners. Dogs with anxiety see no reason to treat strangers to their homes with respect, no matter how their masters may scold or reprimand them.

When is it evident that dogs have an anxiety problem? Most often aggressive and nervous disorders do not show when a dog is still a puppy. If there is any indication at an early age about aggression or worry, it will worsen as the dog matures. Any treatment to change dogs with anxiety has to be done when they are young.

There may be only a small window of time when a dog will respond to stimuli effecting a change. It is very important to get a professional to work with a young animal before its behavior becomes aggressive. There is never a guarantee that even the best trainers can completely break a dog’s instinctive tendencies.